Japan Players Clean Changing Rooms And Bow To Fans After Defeat To Belgium

Japan Players Clean Changing Rooms And Bow To Fans After Defeat To Belgium

Japan proved their good sportsmanship by cleaning changing rooms and bowing to fans after being knocked out of the World Cup yesterday at the hands of Belgium, (July 2).

Japan’s team and supporters have proved to be charming and polite throughout their time at the World Cup, with fans cleaning up the stadium after their team’s games, and showing up to support Japan in full costume.

Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any more of this after Japan’s 3-2 loss to Belgium yesterday.

However, rather than leaving the stadium bitter and disappointed, Japan stayed as delightful as ever, and did some final cleaning up, before taking the time to thank their fans.

In a heartwarming display, Japan’s team remained on the pitch to bow to their dedicated fans after the defeat:

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They also cleaned their team’s changing rooms in Russia, and left a thank you note written in the host country’s language:

#SAYONARA: This is the #Japan team's dressing room after they lost to Belgium in the 94th minute at the #FIFA World Cup. They even left behind a note with "thank you" in #Russian.

Continuing to set an example for World Cup fans everywhere, Japan’s supporters followed suit and made sure the stadium was once again spotless following the game – just as they did after their win against Colombia.

The fans picked up cardboard and other rubbish from around the ground, leaving it just as they found it – spotless.

Japan-based football journalist Scott McIntyre told the BBC Japan’s actions were reflective of their culture, saying:

It’s not just part of the football culture but part of Japanese culture. You often hear people say that football is a reflection of culture.

An important aspect of Japanese society is making sure everything is absolutely clean and that’s the case in all sporting events and certainly also in football.

They might leave a bottle or some kind of food package on the ground and then it’s often the case people get tapped on the shoulder by Japanese people, indicating they should clean up or take it home but can’t leave it there.

World Cup fans were very moved by Japan’s display, crediting them for their actions.

One person took to Twitter to write:

They faced heartbreaking defeat from 2 goals leading to 3-2 Their fans stayed back and cleaned the stadium

They cleaned the dressing room and leaves “Thank You” note [sic]

They are really CLASS #Japan #WorldCup [sic]

While another added:

Japan deserved to win and seeing them cry and bow to their fans like that broke my heart. You did well boys!

They faced heartbreaking defeat from 2 goals leading to 3-2 Their fans stayed back and cleaned the stadiumThey cleaned the dressing room and leaves "Thank You" noteThey are really CLASS #Japan#WorldCup

Japan ?? may have lost to Belgium ?? but those men fought to the end! What also stands out to me is how gracious they were in defeat! They way they Honored their fans at the end with a BOW of respect. ????